You Are Here – Venezia

Starbucks You Are Here Venezia is a mug for a well-known city in northeastern Italy that emerged from a unique historical melting pot. Founded in the 5th century by mainland residents fleeing barbarian invasions, Venice began as a series of lagoon settlements that gradually developed into a powerful maritime republic. By the Middle Ages, the city had transformed into a dominant naval and commercial power, controlling extensive trade routes between Europe and the Byzantine Empire. The Venetian Republic, which lasted for over a thousand years until 1797, was renowned for its sophisticated political system, intricate diplomatic networks, and extraordinary wealth generated through maritime commerce.… Read more

You Are Here – Bydgoszcz

This fresh release from Starbucks is not the last Poland city mug that we know of. Stay tuned for more updates!

You Are Here Bydgoszcz is a mug for a city located in the northern part of the country. Bydgoszcz is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Founded in the 10th century, the city has been an important center of trade and commerce throughout its history. During the Middle Ages, Bydgoszcz was part of the Polish Kingdom and later came under Prussian and German rule.… Read more

You Are Here – Katowice

Starbucks You Are Here Katowice is a brand new release for a city in southern Poland that has a rich industrial history dating back to the 19th century. Originally a small village, it rapidly grew into an important coal mining and steel production center during the Industrial Revolution. The city gained municipal rights in 1865 and became part of Poland after World War I. During the interwar period and under communist rule, Katowice continued to be a major industrial hub. Since the fall of communism in 1989, the city has undergone significant economic restructuring, transitioning from heavy industry towards a more diverse economy focused on services, technology, and culture.… Read more

You Are Here – Kapadokya

You Are Here Kapadokya is the latest (for now) mug from Türkiye.

Kapadokya, an ancient region in central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), has a rich history spanning thousands of years. First inhabited by the Hittites in the late Bronze Age around 1800 BCE, the region later came under Persian rule as one of their important satrapies. After Alexander the Great’s conquest, it was ruled by a line of independent kings before becoming a Roman province in 17 CE. The region gained particular significance in early Christian history during the Roman and Byzantine periods (3rd-11th centuries CE), when Christians carved thousands of cave churches and underground cities into the area’s distinctive soft volcanic rock formations, creating a vast network of refuges to escape persecution.… Read more

You Are Here – Kuşadası

Love the colors of the You Are Here Kuşadası mug from the Republic of Türkiye. Kusadasi is a coastal city that was originally settled by the Ionians in 3000 BCE and later came under Roman and Byzantine rule. The city’s name, meaning “Bird Island,” refers to a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway. Kusadasi gained prominence in the medieval period as an important port for trade between Europe and Asia. The impressive 17th-century Okuz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai, built to accommodate merchants and travelers, stands as a testament to the city’s historical significance in commerce.… Read more

You Are Here – Sofia

You Are Here – Sofia is a beautiful mug from Bulgaria. It is only the second release from this Balkan nation, the first one being the country mug. Sofia’s history, the capital of Bulgaria, dates back over 2,000 years. Originally founded by the Thracians and later becoming a significant Roman settlement known as Serdica, Sofia was a strategic hub due to its location at the crossroads of major trade routes. Throughout the centuries, it has been shaped by various empires, including the Byzantines, Ottomans, and Bulgarians, each leaving an indelible mark on its cultural and architectural landscape.… Read more

You Are Here – Bursa

There are quite a few recent releases from the YAH series that Starbucks keeps expanding! One of them is the You Are Here Bursa mug for a city in northwestern Turkey. Bursa is a city rich in history and significance as the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. Founded in the early centuries as a key trading center along the Silk Road, it gained prominence under Ottoman rule in the 14th century. During this time, Bursa flourished as a commerce, culture, and religious architecture hub.… Read more

You Are Here – Trójmiasto

You Are Here – Trójmiasto is a mug for a metropolitan area in northern Poland that comprises three cities: Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot, also known as Tricity or Tri-City. Its rich history dates back to the medieval period, with Gdańsk emerging as a significant trade center in the Hanseatic League during the 14th century. The area played a pivotal role in maritime commerce, with its strategic location on the Baltic Sea facilitating trade routes that connected various European markets. Gdańsk’s tumultuous history is marked by various conflicts, including its destruction during World War II, which left deep scars on the city and its inhabitants.… Read more

You Are Here – Mecca

You Are Here – Mecca is an unexpected release from Saudi Arabia. Mecca (officially Makkah al-Mukarramah) is generally considered the holiest city in Islam and holds immense significance in the Muslim world. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred structure in Islam, towards which Muslims around the globe face during their daily prayers. Every year, millions of Muslims undertake the pilgrimage known as Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, to Mecca.… Read more

You Are Here – Groningen

Starbucks You Are Here – Groningen comes from the Netherlands. Big thanks to the blog reader for providing the pictures of this beautiful mug!

Groningen, a vibrant city in the northern part of the country, boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century when it emerged as an influential regional trade hub. The city’s strategic location allowed it to thrive during the Middle Ages, becoming a member of the powerful Hanseatic League. This affiliation boosted its economic and cultural significance, fostering connections with other major European cities.… Read more

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